Legal

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SNART28 – BEST PRACTICES FOR STRUCTURING INVESTOR REFERRAL AGREEMENTS

In today’s competitive investment landscape, strong relationships often drive successful funding. Investor referral agreements formalize these relationships, setting clear rules for how one party (the referrer) introduces investors to another (the recipient) in exchange for a commission or success fee. When drafted correctly, such agreements align incentives, maintain transparency, and protect both sides from legal and commercial risks. The purpose of this article is to outline the key best practices for structuring an effective investor referral agreement. Define the Parties and …
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SNART27 – HOW TO DRAFT AND IMPLEMENT EFFECTIVE BOARD RESOLUTIONS

In today’s corporate environment, every major decision whether approving a new investment, opening a bank account, or appointing key officers must be properly documented. A board resolution serves as a formal record of the board’s decisions and ensures compliance with corporate governance standards. When drafted and implemented effectively, it provides transparency, protects directors’ duties, and facilitates smooth execution of strategic objectives. Understanding Board Resolutions A board resolution is an official document that records an action or decision approved by the company’s Board …
Legal

SNART26 – FIVE LEGAL DOCUMENTS EVERY STARTUP SHOULD HAVE IN PLACE

Behind every successful startup lies a solid legal foundation. While founders often prioritize product development and fundraising, neglecting legal documentation can create serious risks, ownership disputes, investor hesitation, or regulatory penalties. By understanding and implementing essential legal documents, startups can safeguard their intellectual property, structure ownership properly, and establish trust with partners and clients. The purpose of this article is to address five key legal documents every startup should have from the outset. Founders’ or Shareholders’ Agreement Purpose: This agreement defines how founders …
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SNART24 – CONTRACT MANAGEMENT BEST PRACTICES: REDUCING LEGAL RISKS IN BUSINESS DEALS

Contracts are the foundation of all commercial relationships. They define rights, obligations, timelines, and deliverables between parties. Yet, many organizations underestimate the importance of systematic contract management. Poorly managed contracts can expose a business to financial loss, legal disputes, missed obligations, or reputational damage. In today’s regulatory and fast-paced business environment especially across the GCC where cross-border transactions are common, companies must implement strong contract management processes to minimize risk and ensure compliance. This article outlines the concept of contract …
Legal

SNART22 – HOW TO DRAFT EFFECTIVE MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN BUSINESSES

In the fast-moving world of business partnerships and cross-company collaborations, it is vital to define mutual expectations before entering into binding contracts. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) serves as a practical tool for outlining intentions, responsibilities, and cooperation frameworks between parties. This article aims to help business leaders and consultants understand how to draft clear and effective MOUs that protect interests, reduce misunderstandings, and set a strong foundation for future agreements. What is an MoU and Why Use One? An MoU is …
Legal

SNART21 – HOW TO STAY COMPLIANT WITH DATA PROTECTION LAWS IN THE GCC AND BEYOND

In today’s digital economy, personal data has become one of the most valuable assets, and one of the most regulated. Across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, governments are introducing comprehensive data protection laws that mirror international standards like the EU’s GDPR. Organizations operating within or across GCC jurisdictions must therefore implement strong privacy and compliance frameworks to safeguard data and maintain trust. The purpose of this article is to provide organizations with practical guidance on how to remain compliant …
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SNART19 – EMPLOYEE LEGAL RIGHTS: WHAT EVERY COMPANY SHOULD KNOW

Every employee is entitled to certain legal and ethical protections in the workplace. These rights are intended to ensure fair treatment, safety, dignity, and recourse when violations occur. While the exact rights vary by country, many core principles are common across jurisdictions. The purpose of this article is to outline and explain the main employee rights and the importance of each right. What Are Employee Rights? Employee rights are the legal and ethical entitlements that a worker has by virtue of being …
Legal

SNART11 – THE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: CHALLENGES, RISKS, AND MITIGATIONS

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how organizations operate, make decisions, and interact with customers. But as adoption accelerates, so too does the legal complexity. From intellectual  property to liability, from data protection to regulatory compliance, AI introduces new legal risks  that companies must proactively manage. The purpose of this article is to explore the key legal implications of AI and outlines a strategic approach for minimizing legal exposure. There are several legal implications from Artificial Intelligence that will be discussed as follows: 1. …
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SNART10 – EMPLOYER LEGAL RIGHTS: WHAT EVERY BUSINESS SHOULD KNOW

In any employment relationship, there is a balance of rights and duties between employees and employers. Knowing what each side is legally entitled to and legally obligated to do not only helps avoid disputes, but also fosters trust, morale, and compliance. Before entering into or managing contracts of employment, business leaders and HR professionals should understand the fundamental legal rights and the obligations of employers. The purpose of this article is to outline those rights and obligations. To ensure that the …
Legal

SNART6 – CONTRACTS AND DIGITAL TRANSACTIONS: A TECTONIC SHIFT THROUGH ESCROW ARRANGEMENTS

In today’s fast-paced digital economy, business transactions are increasingly concluded online whether for services, goods, or cross-border collaborations. While digital platforms have made deals faster and more convenient, they also raise questions of trust, security, and enforceability. One of the most effective tools to address these concerns is the escrow arrangement, which provides businesses with a neutral and reliable way to safeguard payments and obligations until contractual terms are met. The purpose of this article is to outline the legal …